Top 12 Best Gym Shoes for Women 2023

Women need to find a good, affordable pair of women’s gym shoes, so let’s immediately check the list of gym shoes below.

When going to the gym, shoes are an extremely important accessory and have a great decision on your training efficiency, especially when doing exercises like Squats or deadlifts, you will see the importance of a pair of shoes.

When looking for a pair of exercise shoes, make sure that the shoe you choose offers the best support and cushioning for whatever activity you do and the right traction to help you. stand firmly on your feet. It also needs to be breathable, fit comfortably, and last through your fitness journey.

To find out which are the best gym shoes for women, we tested 36 pairs of shoes in our testing room. We tested each pair by walking, running on a treadmill, and doing a lap of strength training. The testers included exercisers of different ages, fitness levels, and body types. We then selected the best shoes from the test and sent them home with our testers, including a certified personal trainer, for further use and evaluation.

Here are the 10 best women’s gym shoes on record

1. Best overall shoe: Nike Metcon 8 Training Shoes

This all-around women’s gym shoe is our top pick in part because it can be used for most workouts at the gym.

It is also highly recommended by the certified personal trainers we tested. Much like its popular predecessor, this version has been updated with an even more breathable mesh upper, a new design, and multiple color options.

With this release, Nike even created “Metcon By You”, which allows Nike users to use the designer on the website to customize the shoes in their own unique style, from the laces to the laces. outside.

Firm yet flexible, thanks to its foam padding, the Metcon hugs the foot with great support, suitable for even strength training sessions, scoring near-perfect for cushioning.

During testing, we found them to be slightly longer than the previous version, but not enough to be a significant flaw, and we found them to be very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

We like the handy automatic lace buckle to keep the laces secure, a huge plus if you’re walking on a treadmill, something not found on most gym shoes.

During testing, we felt that the flexible inner plate, designed for even weight distribution, and a slight 4mm of clearance made for a very stable heel pad for great comfort. lift weights with light to moderate loads, but we recommend something sturdier for heavy lifts.

Often compared to one of our other top picks, Reebok’s Nano X2 Cross Trainer, the two go head-to-head in every repeat, this time Metcon wins in the areas of support, stability, and support. , fast response and comfortable fit.

We also love that this smart shoe features a small heel guard (clip on the heel – to keep you steady while doing banana swings) and a rope guard at the foot. arch) to provide traction to move quickly during training sessions, these characteristics are especially useful for CrossFit lovers.

2. Best-priced shoes: Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Qt Racer 3

If you are on a tight budget, then the Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Qt Racer 3 is a great choice to own a pair of genuine Adidas women’s gym shoes.

When we tested this women’s gym shoe, we found it to be very breathable, providing moderate flexibility and grip in the sole, and at the same time being very reasonable for a sport shoe, spec. perfect for lessons that require skates, easy to move without obstruction like Zumba.

These shoes have a sleek look, are made with memory foam that bounces back after a workout, and the cushioning is just right, giving it a perfect score for comfort.

We also like the sturdy midsole and forefoot and the streamlined shoe itself, making it a versatile and secure choice for Group X classrooms.

It has a stable heel for strength training, but we don’t recommend this shoe for heavy lifting or long-term use on the pavement because its heel is some give.

And those who need a lot of cushions can avoid choosing Cloudfoam 3 for high-impact workouts.

This is a well-balanced sneaker that’s great for those just starting out in the gym or anyone looking for an all-around option and especially on a tight budget.

3. The most flamboyant shoes: APL Streamline Running Shoes

Used by celebrities and influencers, the Athletic Propulsion Labs women’s gym shoes are an expensive choice.

While the price may seem too high-end for gym shoes, don’t be too quick to dismiss this chic shoe. You don’t have to be a “sneaker expert” to appreciate the innovation of these sneakers.

As the name suggests, these trainers are really streamlined thanks to an upper and outsole that feels like a second, highly breathable leather that’s designed to effectively cut airflow.

We found the lightweight and bouncy EVA foam used in the midsole and outsole to be really impressive, leaving one of our testers, an avid runner, delighted with the cushioning and responsiveness. restore the effectiveness of this shoe.

After tightening the laces, we found the shoe to be very sturdy and extremely comfortable for running. The higher heel provides cushioning for jumps and the 8mm incline over the forefoot creates a great forward tilt for sprinting but is not ideal for left-to-side movements. right and vice versa.

During testing, the Streamline’s traction was perfect on the treadmill, on the road, and on the sidewalk with its minimalist molded heel keeping it fit.

One downside that was easily noticed during testing was that it took a minute to untangle the tangled ropes, especially when loosening. But after a few wears, we found a technique to loosen them up quickly, which involved pulling the thread horizontally versus vertically.

The high price tag of this shoe is real, but in the end, we decided it was worth the quality gym shoes that every woman should own.

4. Best shoes for weightlifting: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic

Converse gym shoes have always been the shoes of choice for heavy lifters, these iconic sneakers are the perfect companion to your strength training regimen.

These classic women’s gym shoes are a popular weightlifting favorite for their minimal cushioning and superb lace-up ankle support.

We love the quality and comfort of these shoes, giving them a near-perfect score for comfort. We usually don’t like high boots, but we were very pleased with the excellent ankle support of this shoe.

Although these shoes have flat soles, during testing we commented that they are still a bit soft and feel like they will hug our feet over time.

The cushioning in the inner midsole allows the breathable canvas shoe to wick away heat and keep everything new.

This shoe size seems to be a bit large for the general standard, so we recommend you to go 1 size down.

When lifting heavy weights, posture is a top priority for safety. These shoes are very comfortable but don’t have a lot of cushioning in the soles, so you can more easily feel your foot position and establish a stable stance.

They also have flatter soles than shoes like the Metcon, which can encourage even weight distribution, body alignment, and a tight grip on your toes and feet when you’re underweight—such as when exercising. perform a Squat or Hand Clean

If you’re less flexible, you’re better off choosing a pair of weightlifting shoes with a raised or raised sole to better support your balance as you lean deeply into the lift.

Converse shoes can be a little tight. So, if you have wide feet or often buy shoes with wide toes, we recommend looking for barefoot shoes instead.

5. Best shoes for running: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

A hugely popular Nike running shoe. It’s our top pick for treadmill running for its good support, comfort, lightweight design, and reliability on a variety of exercises and surfaces.

The Pegasus Air Zoom is lighter, slightly more flexible, and more bouncy than its predecessor, helping you get through periods on the treadmill or in fast sprints.

It also has a slightly wider forefoot box to accommodate wider feet and activities that require wider spread toes, such as strength training.

We found these sneakers to be very soft and comfortable without being too soft. One of our testers with narrow feet found that the fit was looser and a bit tight but still provided good support without rubbing or blistering. Therefore, the Pegasus 39 is best suited for runners with normal to slightly wider feet.

During testing, we also appreciated the additional padding on the tongue and collar for added comfort and the engineered mesh throughout the upper for better breathability.

A unique and surprising function of the shoe is the lacing loops that stretch and wrap around the inside for a snug fit as you adjust—an improvement over the previous version’s lacing system.

6. Best shoes for HIIT: Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3

Yet another pair of women’s gym shoes from Nike, the Air Zoom SuperRep is our newest favorite and our top pick for HIIT workouts.

Nike recently updated the technology to make the shoe lighter than ever, reducing weight and helping to reduce your sprint time and workout speed.

At 9mm thick, the heel drop is less severe than before. It has added stability with a flexible midsole, making it safer and more flexible for multi-plane movements (forward, backward and side to side). During testing, we found that this helps it distribute weight and return energy better during jumps and explosive lunges.

During testing, the Zoom Air cushion absorbs the force of many HIIT sessions and helps quickly return energy to the firm ground for the next move, we evaluate the perfect score for the cushion, the ability to react recovery, and stability.

While we wish Nike would stretch this slightly narrow shoe like the Metcon and Pegasus Zoom top picks above, it’s still a comfortable shoe, as long as you don’t have wide feet.

An excellent, classy shoe, we don’t recommend it for outdoor workouts as the traction design and upper is intended for traction on courts and gym floors rather than gravel. and grass.

We also love the SuperReps design, which gives it a “sneakers of the future” feel, with details evident alongside the aesthetics.

7. Best shoes for walking: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoes

If your workout preference is walking, then we recommend the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 because it’s lightweight and shock-absorbing with GuideRails technology to protect our knees from excessive movement. A nice, neutral shoe, the Adrenaline GTS 22 is a solid choice for those with flat feet and overpronation, and one of the best walking shoes out there. best on the market.

Because of the low heel, we found our Achilles a bit tight and didn’t provide much ankle support. However, we like the support for the foot and the stability with the cushioned midsole for soft landings and smooth transitions.

These shoes are narrower at the back and wider at the front. During testing, they proved to be very responsive and made it easy for us to step while pushing our feet forward.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is a certified diabetic shoe with the American Pediatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. We love walking with this pair indoors on flat surfaces, such as a treadmill, for powerful runs without the need for a heavier shoe.

8. Best shoes for indoor and outdoor gym workouts: Hoka Women’s Bondi 8

Our top pick for a women’s gym shoe that can be used both in the gym and outdoors is this super-cushioned Bondi 8 from Hoka, designed for ultimate comfort.

Crafted with lightweight foam, breathable mesh construction, a cushioned tongue and a regional rubber placement in the sole, these shoes offer the perfect combination of support and bounce.

During our testing, these shoes proved outstanding. We felt they were suitable for walking and jogging, but we also found them to be too heavy and not responsive enough for serious runners.

The right size, with plenty of wiggle room for the toes due to the wide and soft toe box. The heel is perfectly cupped and with so much cushioning we can’t imagine any blisters that could have formed.

In fact, the shoe was light enough that we didn’t experience any rubbing during our testing. The upper is very breathable, so it does not cause sweat, or rough feet.

The Hoka Bondi 8 has a rear impact pad that provides stable impact absorption and a balanced feel from heel strike to forefoot transition. These shoes are great for people with plantar fasciitis because the thick sole is able to absorb shock and reduce the load on the plantar fascia.

We love the feeling our feet don’t slip when wearing these shoes during a workout. The shoe is wide enough for comfort and support but not so wide that our feet feel loose and unstable.

We carry these shoes with confidence on uneven terrain, making them ideal for the gym and also for outdoor use.

9. Best shoes for plantar fasciitis: Asics Gel-Jadeite Running Shoe

If you have plantar fasciitis, you need a shoe with solid support in the heel and midsole, along with proper cushioning. A top choice for this is Gel-Jadeite.

It can help relieve undue stress on the feet thanks to its protective cushioning and can minimize inflammation and pain throughout the foot. This also makes it a great shoe for heavier athletes or those who are physically active, according to the American Pediatric Medical Association (APMA).

Stable and smooth, Gel-Jadeite isn’t overly designed or bulky and is suitable for a wide variety of workouts, from ellipticals to group classes at the gym, keeping you energized every step of the way. direction you move.

We’ve found them to be extremely versatile, with a sharp return of energy for jumping and agility exercises.

The foam in the midsole makes it a really lightweight shoe that can really move around, and we appreciate the gel cushioning that absorbs shock upon landing. The cooling mesh will keep your feet comfortable, perfect for summer workouts from the gym to the outdoors.

10. Good shoes for indoor cycling classes (Spin Classes): TIEM Slipstream Women’s Indoor Cycling Shoe

Looking for shoes for Spinning classes? These innovative cycling shoes are versatile, making them our top pick for indoor cycling classes.

For comfort and convenience, lace up these smart, single velcro shoes and walk to your car, get on, and get off your bike with ease, without a nasty limp (you know. ).

The SPD-compatible two-hole insole sits recessed inside a cavity surrounded by a typical sneaker sole. This makes it easy to get on and off your bike and jump straight to class or another errand. You’ll have to purchase the cleats separately, but the clip-on feature is well worth the addition.

We love the functionality and comfort of these women’s gym shoes, raving about support and comfort. We noted during our testing that they are 0.5 larger than the standard size. They also look great and we love that they come in a variety of neutral tones to match just about anything.

11. Best shoes for people with high arches: New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880v12

These women’s gym shoes are our top pick for those with high arches because of the soft and flexible midsole, an important feature APMA recommends for those with high arches.

In the latest version, this shoe maintains the reliable lightweight and durable foam midsole of its predecessor, and features support to encourage healthy, natural strides.

During testing, we commended these shoes for their flexible pushing, giving them a perfect score for responsiveness. We also love the cushioned heel for a gentle landing.

The 880×12 outsole is durable and perfect for days running on the treadmill or on the sidewalk, but the outsole isn’t too heavy for cardio classes either.

We’ve found that, despite being breathable, the mesh upper sometimes tends to feel warm due to the tongue and thicker weave. The advantage of this is that the inner padding is very comfortable.

We’re a fan of New Balance’s colorways, and the 880v12 has a ton of color options that we’re excited to take outside of the gym.

12. Best for CrossFit: Reebok Women’s Nano X2 Cross Trainer

The Nano X2 all-in-one women’s gym shoe is our top pick for CrossFit.

This is one of the best CrossFit shoes for women because it provides a stable platform for weightlifting, responsive sprinting, and great flexibility.

The 7mm heel height enhances stability without compromising the responsiveness to propel you through as many rounds as possible (AMRAP) during high-intensity or interval workouts. It even runs better than the previous version thanks to the addition of a spring cushion in the forefoot, which helps to switch between activities and brings us closer to “monster mode”.

Although the testers felt the shoes were too heavy for long-distance running, they provided excellent cushioning and stability for the jumps, squats, and lifts in our tests.

The heel is snug, while the toe box is wide enough for the toes to spread out for balance. Our Achilles, knees, and lower backs feel supported in these shoes.

When performing moves like power cleans, snatches, and even deadlifts, the shoes provide a great starting position to complete a flawless and safe lift.

In addition to the stylish inverted colorways, we like that the Reebok Nano X2 features a toothed midsection for added traction and traction when climbing.

The upper is made of breathable Flexweave knit fabric, which feels comfortable yet durable. This shoe is well worth the money and is our top pick for CrossFit enthusiasts.

How did we choose this list of the best women’s gym shoes?

To select the best women’s gym shoes, we researched dozens of women’s gym shoes from the top, trusted brands in the market. We spoke with podiatrist, Dr Jacqueline Prevete, foot and ankle surgeon, Dr Bruce Pinker, Kaitlin Humphreys certified personal trainer, and Tara Laferrara, to receive Get their advice on important features to consider with women’s gym shoes.

Each shoe must perform to high standards and expert insights to be selected as our top pick in each category.

In the Lab, with the guidance of podiatrist, Dr. Diana Valencia, we further tested these shoes by running and walking on a treadmill as well as completing a lap of weightlifting.

With help from Valencia, we evaluated each shoe for cushioning, stability and support, responsiveness, upper comfort, blister resistance, durability, and value. We also pay close attention to the design features and what makes the shoe unique.

The testers, including a certified personal trainer, then took the highest-performing shoes home for further testing and evaluation.

We first assess the fit of each shoe: Do they have enough cushioning? Is the midsole flexible or can we barely bend it?

Next, we tested each shoe with 30-60 minute gym workouts of varying intensities. Depending on its design intent, we tested each shoe with Treadmill, HIIT, Crossfit, studio, and strength training workouts, while wearing the same socks to ensure proper fit. Consistency. We also monitor for any tingling, numbness, discomfort, or blistering.

At the end of the testing period, we rated each shoe on a scale of 1 (not recommended) to 5 (highly recommended) for fit, comfort, cushioning, responsiveness, and stability. and overall value. We used these scores and insights to create our final recommendation list.

As some shoes are updated and new studies are made over time, we’ll continue to update our recommendations based on new research, expert insights, and new shoe models. .

What do you need to pay attention to when looking for women’s gym shoes?

1. Breathability

If you want a shoe that keeps you cool and comfortable during your stretching exercises, look for the words “mesh upper”. This phrase simply means that the upper part of the shoe (the part that runs along your foot) is made of mesh, a lightweight and breathable material.

Dr Jacqueline Prevete said “Breathability is important to allow proper air circulation if your feet sweat during exercise. Cotton socks and/or mesh, breathable material will also help prevent excessive sweat from accumulating and will therefore also prevent odors in the shoes from developing..”

In addition, says Prevete, breathable shoes help prevent toenail fungus, tinea pedis, blisters and warts, keeping feet healthy and happy every step of the way. kilometers.

2. Durability

A durable women’s gym shoe will last longer and provide the support and cushioning you need for continuous training, no matter the activity. Dr. Prevete said: “Good gym shoes often have thicker soles and therefore usually more support. Quality, safe gym shoes will have a well-textured sole, stitching, and seams that won’t come loose or show signs of wear after a few workouts. Lanyards and eyelets must be strong to hold firmly when tying. The midsole also has to maintain its structure for kilometers before it loses support.”

If your workout is outdoors, especially on rough terrain, look for a shoe with a durable outsole that can take the load. Rubber outsoles can often handle a bit of wear and tear, especially if they’re designed with strong, sticky “lugs” (the dents that run along the outsole).

3. Buffer responsiveness

If your workout is filled with high-impact exercises like running and jumping, you may want your gym shoes to be equipped with responsive cushioning. This type of cushion tends to absorb shock, so it can keep you comfortable during the most intense workouts.

The thickness of the cushion varies between types of gym shoes and depends on your activity. Levels from minimum to medium and also maximum buffer. A good midsole will feel soft, while other shoes may offer a more reasonably targeted cushioning in parts of the sole to provide quick return energy, such as while running. jump, helping your feet lift off the ground faster.

Choose your level of cushioning according to your foot requirements and the experience you need from your training.

For example, to lift weights, you want a sturdy flat sole without a lot of padding, but that cushioning has to be durable enough to support your body weight plus the weight you’re holding and lifting. For other activities that involve jumping or slamming your feet, you’ll need extra cushioning to absorb the impact upon landing.

4. Support the horizontal and steady movement

It is important that women’s gym shoes have enough support structure, in addition to shock absorption. Dr. Bruce Pinker said: “Aerobics classes require short and fast front, back, and side movements, so shoes with the right support are essential to performing these exercises. Zumba classes may involve jumping, so wearing properly cushioned shoes will be helpful for this activity to help prevent injury..”

Just like cushioning, the level of support and stability you need from a gym shoe is specific to your foot and your training plan. Prevete says you should wear especially supportive exercise shoes if you do high-impact exercises or if your feet have special requirements, such as high arches or plantar fasciitis.

You may need a more stable shoe with motion control if you have flat feet (and can use pads for flat feet) or feet that are excessively lateralized.

5. Traction

If you plan on doing fast movements, especially on slippery or wet floors, you’ll want a shoe that can give you some grip (no one wants to slip in the middle of a Zumba class). ). Dr. Pinker says injury prevention is a top priority here. Traction is required to prevent slipping. It is very useful especially for outdoor activity when one runs or walks on uneven terrain.

Look for shoes with rubber outsoles. In addition to the outsole, make sure the shoe is light enough for comfortable movement. “Most shoes with rubber soles are enough‘ said Humphreys. “You’ll just make sure they don’t wear out too quickly and can support the type of lift or exercise you’re doing..”

6. Buffer layer

No matter what you’re doing, you want your shoes to feel comfortable. Some people will prefer more cushioning to fit them than others, so choose what feels comfortable around your ankles and feet as you work out.

Humphreys said “You’ll want to focus on a sturdy flat sole for lifting weights or a flexible lightweight shoe for plyos. Therefore, how comfortable it is is up to your personal preference.”

FAQs about women’s gym shoes

1. What are women’s gym shoes called fit?

If the shoe fits, just wear it, right? Dr. Pinker says the importance of a well-fitting shoe to avoid injury to your feet and toenails. For gym shoes, “The length should fit so that the end of the sneaker is 3/8 inch from the tip of the longest toe.” That’s the width of 1 centimeter or half a thumb. The heel and toe box should also feel comfortable with a width that fits snugly but isn’t too tight, says Dr. Pinker.

Humphreys adds: “When you exercise, your feet can swell from half to full. It helps if you have some space at the bottom of the shoe so the foot can swell. For a realistic fit, we recommend trying on gym shoes at the end of the day when shopping for them.”

2. Can running shoes be used for the gym?

Running shoes can be used for the gym, but it’s important to note that they typically have more cushioning in the heel and more traction than most specialized gym shoes.

While great for treadmills, these features make them less than ideal (and even a safety hazard) for certain weightlifting activities.

Humphreys said: “Remember that running shoes are designed to give you cushioning and support moving forward in space, so they won’t be the best shoes for weightlifting days or days when you want a flat sole. more, or in case you want more support, such as in a class with lots of plyometric exercises.”

Many other types of exercise shoes are specific to the sport and complement the type of movement in your workout. From basketball sneakers to weightlifting and indoor cycling shoes, these options are specifically designed to enhance comfort and safety during the typical specific movements of activity.

Therefore, it is best to choose shoes specifically for the sport you are doing to bring the highest efficiency and safety.

3. How to properly clean gym shoes?

To clean gym shoes quickly, apply the following tips

Need to do

• Remove any insoles from the shoe, shake off any internal debris, and use a dry brush to remove external debris.
• If soiled, wipe the interior and exterior surfaces with a damp cloth
• Spot clean tougher exterior parts with a gentle cleaning product or shoe product
• Use stain remover and brush or damp cloth on the fabric parts to clean them
• Allow shoes to dry completely when wet from sweat, or after cleaning
• Always clean shoes in a well-ventilated area with protective gloves and a mask when using cleaning products
• Between deep cleans, use a shoe cleaner for a quick fix
• Prevent bacteria and mold buildup inside shoes with a disinfectant spray, like Lysol, and leave it on overnight.

Should not

• Do not throw your training shoes in the washing machine to keep them intact
• Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the shoe material or cause skin irritation after wearing

4. How to remove the smell of gym shoes?

As with everything, prevention is always better than cure, so take care of your shoes by wearing absorbent, breathable socks, drying them properly, and cleaning them regularly to keep them looking new.

However, for odors that are hard to beat, our experts recommend effective tools like foot powder, or deodorant spray, Febreeze or Lysol between wear.

Try products like deodorant bags or make your own with baking soda in reusable plastic or a few drops of natural tea tree oil. Prevete suggests that “If you have insoles on the inside of your shoes (i.e. orthotics or insoles you buy separately), you can easily swap them out for a new pair once they smell.”

Prevete says if your shoes get wet (from rain or sweat), they need time to dry properly to avoid odors. “You can actually stuff newspaper inside the shoe so it draws moisture from the fabric,” she says. Wet shoes will smell bad, so if you do this regularly whenever they come into contact with water, that will prevent odors from developing.”

5. How often should gym shoes be changed?

Using a lot of kilometers on your gym shoes can affect your body’s health and performance. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, athletic activities like running and jumping will exert 3 to 5 times your weight on your ankles, legs, and body.

To minimize these shocks to your body, you need to replace your shoes when they are old or show significant wear. Dr. Prevete said: “Sometimes you may even experience full-body fatigue while running (usually in the legs), which reminds you that your shoes may need to be replaced.“.

“For exercisers, I would use the same rule of thumb. Depending on how much you wear them, they will likely need to be replaced much sooner.” If you don’t track your kilometers but train regularly, then Prevet recommends replacing your old training shoes every 4 months. The less used, the longer the replacement time.

6. How much does a pair of sports shoes cost?

You can expect to pay from a few hundred to several million for a quality pair of sneakers. There are more expensive options, but they’re not necessary unless you’re a professional athlete or have an orthopedic problem that requires specialized shoes.

More budget-friendly shoes can be tempting, but they probably won’t last as long as more expensive options, and they can lose points for fit and comfort. The cheapest gym shoes on our list are usually under $70, while our top recommendation, the Nike Metcon 8 was $130 when we published this list.